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ZENworks 7 imaging

by | Sep 23, 2005 | evilzenscientist, Linux, Uncategorized, ZENworks

ZENworks OS imaging has always been based on the Linux kernel – it’s fast, efficient, has a great networking stack and is also extensible. None of the problems of DOS and getting NDIS drivers etc.

Earlier versions of ZENworks – (ZfD 3.x, ZfD 4.0, ZENworks 6, ZENworks 6.5) – spawned a slew of sites dedicated to tweaking this Linux environment. Notable is the Novell Forge Project zfdimgdrv. The imaging environment has also been extended by the likes of ENGL.

ZENworks 7 changed to a SLES 9 SP2-based kernel; this provides extensive hardware support (and real support; things that have been tested).

For unsupported hardware – or to add updated drivers – life is now a lot simpler.

Matt Misbach – one of the ZENworks engineers – passed on this tip:

  1. Obtain the binary driver file, it has the extension of “.ko”, (If no binary driver is available, then the source needs to be obtained and built on a sles9 sp2 machine.)
  2. On your ZENworks server mount the /srv/tftp/boot/initrd file using a similar command:
    mount -o loop /srv/tftp/boot/initrd /mnt
  3. copy the new .ko file into the /mnt/lib/modules/2.6.5-override-default/initrd
  4. umount /mnt

ZENworks 7 Linux Management – more

by | Sep 23, 2005 | evilzenscientist, Linux, Uncategorized, ZENworks

As mentioned I’m working on a best practices guide for ZLM7.

I’m writing a discussion of the package universe concept; how it differs from previous versions of ZLM (ZLM 6.x and RCE) and some design recommendations.

I also wrote a nifty script to populate the package universe 🙂 I’ll share that when I’ve tested it to death – but here’s the output:

Right now I can build all of my package universe as well as SP2 updates for SLES 9 and NLD 9. It takes about 20 minutes and minimal prep work.
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ZLM7 ultimate how-to

by | Sep 21, 2005 | evilzenscientist, Linux, Uncategorized, ZENworks

I’ve been flooded with requests for a more detailed ZENworks 7 Linux Management document – something like what I wrote for ZLM 6.6.1

I’m on it now. I am installing to a fresh, new SLES 9 server – and hopefully I’ll get something out soon.

Current fun – documenting the server-side dependancies. XFree86-libs? wtf? Turns out some of the eDirectory management tools have funky requirements. Do people really build servers with X and a desktop on them?

La Sagrada Familia

by | Sep 20, 2005 | evilzenscientist, travel, Uncategorized

I managed to get some time out from BrainShare last week. I spent a few hours with John Mahon from Dublin at the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. More simply the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia.

For anyone who has ever been to Barcelona – or even heard of Barcelona – it is one of the most striking sights in the city. Totally dominating the skyline from every part of the city. Add to this the story of how this massive cathedral has been under construction for over a century; with still decades to completion.

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Victorinox bag

by | Sep 20, 2005 | evilzenscientist, travel, Uncategorized

I posted a week or so ago on a new bag that I bought for travelling.

Well – a trip to BrainShare Barcelona was too much for it. The pull handle fell to pieces (sharp plastic, metal, springs all over the place) and the ballistic nylon in the day sack got punctured.

Happily everything was covered under warranty; also I got the back from REI who have the most awesome service. They took the old bag and instantly exchanged it for new.

I’ll post photos of the damage soon.

Heading back home

by | Sep 15, 2005 | evilzenscientist, Novell BrainShare, travel, Uncategorized

Well – BrainShare Barcelona is over for another year. I’m just now collating the feedback from this week. Overall a very very positive event.

I’m getting on a plane this morning to head back to Utah – Barcelona -> London Heathrow -> Chicago -> Salt Lake City.

It’s an early start (urg – up at 5am!) – but at least I’ll be back in Utah early evening.

I’ll post the final photos and keynote reports sometime early next week.